November 29, 2011

The holidays are indeed a festive time of year. I find myself thinking about preparations for fall and winter celebrations long before the kids are even trick-or-treating. Today, I want to talk about a few of the items that should be on your list this year as you plan how your company will celebrate.

Company Parties

Around this time, many employers have already begun planning for their annual holiday party. A 2009 SHRM poll showed more than 60 percent of employers planned to hold either an end-of-year or holiday party for their employees. Thoughts of liability in the form of harassment cases, or impaired employees injuring someone on the way home can quickly kill your holiday spirit. Are you sensitive to different dietary needs? Do you try to ensure everyone feels included? See below for a link to our latest Whitepaper for a lot more great information.

Secret Santa (or Secret Gift Exchange)

We are all familiar with this game, so how can you make it interesting? One year, participants in our office each contributed $10 to purchase “something” from a website called (what else?) The Something Store. No one knew what they were going to unwrap, and we were allowed to swap gifts.

This year, we are adapting Secret Santa for the social media generation by using Elfster. The site is free, and participants can ask anonymous questions to their recipients. Recipients can also create wish lists.

Give Back

It makes no difference how large or small, every organization can do something. Allow employees time off to volunteer, take donations to the food bank, or adopt a family.

How does your company give back to your community? How do you celebrate? Comment below, or email me at . I would love to hear your ideas.

More Information:

Check out our latest Whitepaper, for tools to minimize your risks so you can enjoy the festivities, too.